Jeaneane
Fowler was formerly Head of Philosophy and Religious
Studies at the University of Wales, Newport, and later an
Honorary Research Fellow. Her publications include Hinduism:
Beliefs and Practices (Choice Outstanding Title,
1997).

Merv Fowler was
also formerly Head of Philosophy and Religious Studies at
the University of Wales. His publications include Buddhism:
Beliefs and practices and Zen Buddhism. The
authors have collaborated before for World Religions: An introduction
for students. A fuller biography is available on the Press
website.

In 1983, a tiny group of people in Cardiff and a married couple
in Aberporth West Wales were the only Welsh members of Soka Gakkai
International, a Japanese movement based on the beliefs and teachings
of the 13th century Buddhist, Nichiren Daishonin. Today, there are
hundreds of members in Wales and the Borders.

This book examines the history
of the movement in these two areas, and draws on original research
gleaned from the members themselves. The research elicits facets
of their faith, practices, and study, as well as their testimonies
to the success of such beliefs and practices in their daily lives.
The book combines the twin goals of academic analysis of the Buddhism
of Nichiren Daishonin in general with the warmth of its expression
in the lives of its adherents in Wales and the Borders. Contents
include:

The philosophy and history of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism

The history of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism in Wales and the Borders

The human revolution for a universal humanity

Practices, Experiences and Ceremonies

The Lotus Sutra

Contains a Glossary of Terms, an Appendix and Index

Hardback ISBN:

isbn13

Paperback ISBN:

978-1-84519-258-7

Paperback Price:

£11.99 / $24.99

Release Date:

November 2008

Page Extent / Format:

272 pp. / 229 x 152 mm

Illustrated:

No

List of Illustrations
Preface and Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter One: Prologue
The atomic bombing of Hiroshima
Kyoko and Les Gibson
Chanting in Wales and the Borders

Chapter Two: The Buddhism of Nichiren
Daishonin: Historical Perspectives
The life of the Buddha
The development of Buddhism
The dharma of the Buddha
The Buddha's legacy
The Tendai (Chin. T'ien-t'ai) school
The life of Nichiren Daishonin
Nichiren Shoshu
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871–1944)
Josei Toda (1900–1958)

Chapter Three: The Human Revolution
for a Universal Humanity
Soka Gakkai International
The schism
Daisaku Ikeda
The human revolution

Chapter Four: Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism
in Wales and the Borders
Geographical spread of members
Organization
Gender and age of members
Nationality and ethnicity of members
Occupations and qualifications of members
Marital status of members
Previous religious beliefs and knowledge
Encounter, engagement and commitment
Reactions of families and friends
Chanting and membership
General attitudes

Chapter Five: The Lotus Sutra
Background to the Lotus Sutra
The cosmic canvas
Expedient means
The nature of the Buddha
Bodhisattvas
Buddhahood
The implications for humankind
The implications of the Lotus Sutra for other faiths
The unique nature of the Lotus Sutra

The
authors, formerly Heads of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the
University of Wales, have written this book on the Welsh chapter
of the Nichiren Dasihonin Buddhist movement in Wales and the Borders,
also known as Soka Gakkai International. The authors begin with
the history and philosophy of this type of Buddhism in its native
Japan, and then trace its migration to the UK where it has been
flourishing over the last 35 years. This book, written for anyone
interested in philosophy or world religions, uses interviews with
members to describe some of the basic tenets of Nichiren Daishonin
such as the human revolution for a universal humanity and a commitment
to the Lotus Sutra.Reference & Research Book News

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